The U.S. Women's national team earned itself a spot in the 2008 FIVB World Grand Prix with a 25-18, 25-12, 25-11 victory Monday over host Mexico at the sixth annual Pan American Cup in Colima. The Americans, captained by Hawai'i's Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, won Pool A with a 5-0 record. Mexico finished 1-4.

Team USA advances to the semifinals tomorrow.

The top three teams from NORCECA (North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Federation) and the top team from the CSV (South American Confederation) qualify for the 2008 FIVB World Grand Prix. Along with Team USA, Cuba has clinched a spot in the 2008 World Grand Prix.

Stanford's Cynthia Barboza led the team with nine kills, three aces and a block. The U.S. hit .314 with a 42.9 kill percentage on 70 swings. Team USA held a 10-5 advantage in blocks and had five aces to none for Mexico. In the final game, the Americans hit .538 on only 13 attacks as the Mexicans committed 11 hitting errors and three service errors.

"Our focus was to play USA volleyball," Ah Mow-Santos said. "Mexico has a lot of heart, great defense and 'never-say-die attitude.' We are happy that we came out on top."

The U.S. was the only team in either pool to go undefeated.

The U.S. men are one victory away from a trip to the FIVB World League final round in Poland after sweeping Japan twice last weekend in Kumamoto. The Americans are 8-2 in Pool B and need to win at least once this weekend in Italy.

Hawai'i's Clay Stanley had 10 kills and an ace in the second victory over Japan.

The United States plays in Naples Friday and Avellino Sunday.